Monday, December 17, 2012

Libya Tightens Up

At least five people have been injured after several rocket-propelled grenades
targeted the Libyan intelligence Headquarter in the oil-rich country’s capital,
Tripoli.

The violence on Sunday was triggered by an exchange of fire between rival
militant groups near the building of the Supreme Security Committee.

At least three police officers were also wounded as a result
of a blast that hit a police station in the northern city of Benghazi.

The city has been hit by a series of bombings and attacks targeting international
convoys and government buildings this year.

The US
consulate in the Libyan city of Benghazi
came under attack on September 11, after protesters gathered outside the
building to voice opposition to a blasphemous anti-Islam film made in the United
States that disrespects Prophet Mohammad
(PBUH).

US Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens and three others were killed in the
incident.

Libya’s
National Assembly has ordered the “temporary closure” of the country’s borders
with four neighboring nations and declared martial law in the south, state
media report.

According to Libya's
official news agency, LANA, the assembly issued a decree on Sunday ordering the
"temporary closure of the land borders with Chad,
Niger, Sudan
and Algeria
pending new regulations" on the passage of people and goods.

The decree added that, "The provinces of Ghadames, Ghat, Obari, Al-Shati,
Sebha, Murzuq and Kufra are considered as closed military zones to be ruled
under emergency law."

Assembly member Suad Ganur who represents the city of Sebha
said that the measure is taken in reaction to an "upsurge in violence and
drug trafficking, and the presence of armed groups that act with complete
impunity," as well as illegal immigrants.

The decree also enables the Libyan Defense Ministry to choose a military
governor tasked with detaining fugitives and arresting and deporting illegal
immigrants.

Members of the National Assembly from the southern regions had boycotted its
sessions earlier this month in protest against the deteriorating lawlessness in
the region.